Digital Commons Network^™

Elementary School Principals' Perceptions Of The Instructional Role Of The School Library Media Specialist, Audrey Puckett Church

Theses and Dissertations

Studies conducted in numerous states by various researchers demonstrate that library media specialists who take an active role in the instructional process positively impact student achievement in their schools. Principals are the instructional leaders of their schools, yet the research indicates that they are not knowledgeable regarding the role of the library media specialist. This study explored Virginia elementary school principals' perceptions of the instructional role of the library media specialist, the effect of library schedule on these perceptions, and the origin of these perceptions. Principals who responded to the study strongly endorsed the role of library media specialist as …

Children With Special Needs Oral Health Quality Of Life Survey, Kristin Elizabeth Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to asses the oral health quality of life of children with special health care needs. This study examined the effects of oral health conditions on general well-being and family life of these children. A secondary aim of the study was to investigate correlations between specific health care conditions, gender, and age of these children and their global ratings of oral health and well-being.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional design with subjects who are members of the Virginia Care Connection for Children program, based at Virginia Commonwealth University. The oral health quality of life …

Within And Without, Shane Robert Rocheleau

Theses and Dissertations

Within and Without is a document which illustrates my personal and artistic research into the nature of the postmodern conception of the self: that self is unfixed, multiple, and reactive. It explicates my myriad and explorative approaches to photographic portraiture. Furthermore, it indicates many of my theoretical and artistic references and how I have applied my lessons both as an artist and a researcher to maximize the effect of my concepts within the formal and aesthetic confines of my photographs. Finally, this document explains my own beliefs concerning the nature of self and how a synthesis of my influences has …

Merging Task-Centered Social Work And Motivational Interviewing In Outpatient Medication Assisted Substance Abuse Treatment: Model Development For Social Work Practice, Andreas Fassler

Theses and Dissertations

To advance social work practice and decrease the research practice gap, this dissertation followed a model development paradigm consisting of several phases. Based on the task-centered model of social work practice and motivational interviewing, a new combined model was construed. The two underlying models were analyzed and synthesized, using technical eclecticism as the integrative approach. The resulting combined model was described by guidelines and manualized. To test the combined model in an applied setting, a study was designed in collaboration with social workers at a substance abuse counseling center. There, the combined model intervention was implemented in an outpatient medication …

Impacts Of Acid Mine Drainage On Carbon Cycling In Receiving Streams, Ernest W. Fonyuy

Doctoral Dissertations

"Field and laboratory investigations of acid mine drainage (AMD) contaminated and uncontaminated waters were conducted in order to determine and model processes and reaction mechanisms that control dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) transformation and shifts in isotope ratio of DIC (Δ¹³C_DIC). The results show that AMD caused variable pH changes, overall decreases in Fe²⁺, alkalinity, and DIC, and increases in (Δ¹³C_DIC) in receiving streams. AMD caused more than 50 to > 98% seasonal DIC loss in stream water through CO₂ degassing. High DIC losses corresponded to high Fe²⁺ and lower or no HCO₃⁻ in the water samples, because …

Clinical Excellence Through Evidence-Based Practice -- A Model To Guide Practice Changes, Patricia Collins, Susan Golembeski, Misleydy Selgas, Kathy Sparger, Nancy Burke, Bonnie Vaughn

All Publications

No abstract provided.

Classroom Model And Peer Influence: The Relationship Between Preschoolers' Behavior And Academic Achievement In The Classroom, Rhonda Sue Jamison

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research indicates that classroom behaviors in students may be good predictors of academic success. The present study investigated the relationship between classroom peers, positive and negative classroom behaviors, early literacy and mathematics ability, and classroom model in 214 predominately low-income preschool children in 21 classes across a six-county area. It was hypothesized that peer classroom behavior would be a significant predictor of individual child ability and that peers would have differential influence across classroom models. Results indicated that peer classroom behavior was not a significant predictor of individual child ability. Individual child classroom behaviors, specifically positive behaviors, emerged as a …

Dual Constraint Problem Optimization Using A Natural Approach: Genetic Algorithm And Simulated Annealing, James P. Sweeney

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Constraint optimization problems with multiple constraints and a large solution domain are NP hard and span almost all industries in a variety of applications. One such application is the optimization of resource scheduling in a "pay per use" grid environment. Charging for these resources based on demand is often referred to as Utility Computing, where resource providers lease computing power with varying costs based on processing speed. Consumers using this resource have time and cost constraints associated with each job they submit. Determining the optimal way to divide the job among the available resources with regard to the time and …

Effects Of Identity On Public-Organization Relationships: A Case Study Of Student-University Relations, Nadezhda Olegovna Bocharova

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The study tested the applicability of identification theory for diagnosing relationship quality between organizations and their publics in PR. A survey was posted on-line in a mid-Western university; 377 students of all classifications filled out the questionnaire. Factor analysis produced one-dimensional identification scale and three-dimensional relationship scale: reciprocity, commitment, and exchange. There were significant positive correlations between identity, reciprocity, and commitment, whereas exchange part of relationship negatively related to the above dimensions. Discussion of student publics was developed along with analysis of factors related to university life. Analysis of variance revealed that identity, reciprocity, and commitment decline with tenure in …

Advanced Controller Design Using Neural Networks For Nonlinear Dynamic Systems With Application To Micro/Nano Robotics, Qinmin Yang

Doctoral Dissertations

"The dissertation focuses on neural network (NN) control designs for nonlinear systems with application to micro/nano robotic. Critical problems in nano scale including thermal drift are also addressed"--Abstract, page iv.

Enzymatic Synthesis And Characterization Of Oligopeptides, Co-Oligopeptides And Hydroxy Acid Capped Polypeptides In Mixed Aqueous Organic Media, Santhana Srinivasan

Doctoral Dissertations

"Proteolytic enzymes have been used for the synthesis of homo-oligomers and hydroxy acid capped peptides with amino acids and hydroxy acid esters as substrates in aqueous and aqueous organic biphasic and triphasic systems. However, successful incorporation of hydroxy acids in oligopeptide substrates has not been demonstrated. Use of monophasic media comprising of acetonitrile/water in which oligopeptide substrates were soluble was examined for the synthesis of oligomers of neutral and polar amino acids like Met, Tyr, Lys, Gly, Asp and Glu and tailored co-oligomers of Lys-Met and Arg-Met. Effect of reaction parameters such as starting substrate concentration, system composition, reaction time, …

Experimental And Analytical Evaluation Of Frp-Confined Large Size Reinforced Concrete Columns, Silvia Rocca

Doctoral Dissertations

"Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) jacketing of Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns, as a rapidly growing strengthening technique, requires appropriate design methods. However, the current available design guides are based on models, in their majority semi-empirical, and calibrated with small-scale plain concrete specimens. These models might not be reliable in predicting the strength and ductility enhancement sought through FRP-confinement in RC columns with geometric and material properties as found in practice. This dissertation presents the research conducted in three technical papers. In the first paper, the performance of 22 FRP-wrapped RC columns of medium- and large-scale is studied. The results of the …

Keepin' It Real: Multiliteracies In The English Classroom, Troy Hicks, Dawn M. Reed

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

No abstract provided.

Still Vigilant About Doublespeak?, William J. Vande Kopple

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Teaching And Learning In Multiliteracies: Changing Times, Changing Literacies By Michele Anstey And Geoff Bull, Sandra K. Plair

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

No abstract provided.

Field And Laboratory Investigation Of Ozone-Indoor Surface Reactions: Secondary Emissions Inventory And Implications For Indoor Air Quality, Hong Wang

Doctoral Dissertations

"Interfacial chemistry greatly influences human exposure to reactants and products in indoor environments. Emissions of volatile organic compounds, as a result of ozone-surface interactions, can lower an occupant's exposure to ozone, but increase indoor concentrations of odorous and carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, investigation of ozone-surface interactions are necessary for better understanding and controlling exposure to ozone and the products of indoor surface chemistry. In this dissertation, field experiments were conducted in five homes in three seasons to quantify ozone-initiated secondary emission rates (SERs), yields surface reaction probabilities and study their temporal trends"--Abstract, page iv.

Incipient Continental Rifting: Insights From The Okavango Rift Zone, Northwestern Botswana, Baraka D. Kinabo

Doctoral Dissertations

"In this dissertation aeromagnetic, gravity, and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM DEM) data from the Okavango Rift Zone in northwest Botswana are used to map the distribution of rift and basement structures. The distribution of these structures provide useful insights into the early stages of continental rifting. The objectives of this study are (1) assessing the role of pre-existing structures on rift basin development, (2) characterizing the geometry of the nascent rift basins, (3) documenting fault growth and propagation patterns, and (4) investigating the border fault development"--Abstract, page iv.

Quantifying Kinematics Of Purposeful Movements To Real, Imagined, Or Absent Functional Objects: Implications For Modelling Trajectories For Robot-Assisted Adl Tasks, Kimberly J. Wisneski, Michelle J. Johnson

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Robotic therapy is at the forefront of stroke rehabilitation. The Activities of Daily Living Exercise Robot (ADLER) was developed to improve carryover of gains after training by combining the benefits of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training (motivation and functional task practice with real objects), with the benefits of robot mediated therapy (repeatability and reliability). In combining these two therapy techniques, we seek to develop a new model for trajectory generation that will support functional movements to real objects during robot training. We studied natural movements to real objects and report on how initial reaching movements are affected by …

The Views Of Students With Disabilities Regarding Dropout And School Belonging, Rebecca L. Brandau

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A large number of students drop out of high school each year. Most of the existing research does not focus specifically on students with disabilities. This study uses survey research to examine the perceptions of 40 students with mild disabilities regarding high school drop out and school belonging. Results indicate that participants believe it is important to graduate from high school, and they believe parents and teachers want them to graduate. The students indicated that their friends think about dropping out of school more than the students themselves do. Participants consistently indicated that they feel they can talk to an …

Sexual Minority Youth In The Research Literature: The Invisible Students, Kelly J. Beck

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research examines the topics addressed in the School Psychology literature and specifically looks at the amount of coverage the topic of sexual minority youth has received in the research literature in the last 15 years. A content analysis of research articles published in two prominent school psychology journals, School Psychology Review and School Psychology Quarterly, from 1990 to 2005 was conducted. The topics that received the most coverage included: (1) intervention, (2) assessment, and (3) ethical, legal and professional issues. Nine articles out of 901, less than 1 %, included the topic of sexual minority youth. The sub-groups, such …

Sexual Minority Youth In The Research Literature : What Kind Of Coverage Is The Field Of School Psychology Providing?, Jill Hayes White

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The amount of coverage sexual minority youth have received in the research literature over the past 15 years was examined. A content analysis of all research articles published in Psychology in the Schools and The Journal of School Psychology from 1990 to 2005 was conducted. Comparisons were made between the topic areas receiving the most coverage in 1990 versus 2005. Results revealed that issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth were discussed in only 0.4% of the articles. Topic areas receiving the most coverage included assessment, intervention, ethical and professional issues as well as race and diversity issues, …

High School Dropout : Educators' Knowledge Of And Perceived Role In Dropout Prevention, Dustin Reese

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The reasons behind high school dropout have been examined for years. Previous research has focused primarily on understanding student characteristics in relation to high school dropout. However, teachers play an important role in preventing school dropout. Their beliefs about dropout may influence the way in which they interact with students, especially those they believe are at risk for dropout. Because of the critical influence teachers can have on students' educational decisions, this research sought to answer the following questions: (1) What factors do educators believe contribute to students' decision to drop out of school? and (2) What type of influence …

Examination Of The Major Factors Contributing To The School Psychology Shortage, Sara Ann Recker

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The shortage of school psychologists in the United States has been an issue for many years. Though research has been done to address regional shortages, no research has addressed the shortages in each state. Furthermore, little research exists that examines the settings in which the practitioner shortage is most critical. This study utilizes survey research to examine the current shortage in each of the 50 states (and the District of Columbia) and also to determine whether the shortages exist in urban, suburban, or rural areas. Additionally, this study begins to examine possible reasons the shortage exists in the different states. …

Differences In Junior High, High School, And College Coaches’ Self-Perceptions Of Behavior, Scott D. Salthun

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to examine coaches' self-perceptions of their competence in (a) training and instruction, (b) positive feedback, and (c) social support. Also, differences in coaches' gender, competitive level, leadership style, gender of athletes, age, and number of years coaching were investigated in relation to their self-perceptions. A modified questionnaire from Ipinmoroti (2002) was used as the instrument in this study. The questionnaire included three of the five subscales of the leadership scale for sport: (a) training and instruction, (b) positive feedback, and (c) social support. A total of 85 coaches participated in this study. A series …

Externship Demographics Redux, J.P. "Sandy" Ogilvy, Robert Seibel

Scholarly Articles

Professors Ogilvy (Catholic University) and Seibel (California Western) report on the results of a national survey of externship programs at American Law Schools and compare many of the data points to previous surveys of externship programs to chart the growth of legal externships in 1) number of schools with externship programs as part of their curriculum, 2) number of discrete courses within programs, and 3) the increasing sophistication and complexity of the pedagogy associated with legal externships. Some of the data discussed include the average number of credits allowed for participation in externships, the average number of hours of fieldwork …

The Year Of Truman Capote: Legal Ethics And In Cold Blood, David S. Caudill

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study is to use Capote’s In Cold Blood as a point of reflection on several ethical obligations of lawyers. In Part I, I focus on Capote’s accounts of the prosecution’s use of expert witnesses, and his suggestion that defense counsel were (i) unable or unwilling to deal with their personal conflicts of interest and (ii) incompetent, the latter of which became the subject of disciplinary investigations and federal court review. In terms of the duties of an advocate, Capote sees the prosecution as going too far, and the defense as failing to go far enough. In …

Neural Network Control Of Nonstrict Feedback And Nonaffine Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems With Application To Engine Control, Jonathan B. Vance

Doctoral Dissertations

"In this dissertation, neural networks (NN) approximate unknown nonlinear functions in the system equations, unknown control inputs, and cost functions for two different classes of nonlinear discrete-time systems. Employing NN in closed-loop feedback systems requires that weight update algorithms be stable...Controllers are developed and applied to a nonlinear, discrete-time system of equations for a spark ignition engine model to reduce the cyclic dispersion of heat release"--Abstract, page iv.

The Leaching Behavior Of Arsenic, Selenium And Other Trace Elements In Coal Fly Ash, Tian Wang

Doctoral Dissertations

"The goals of this study are four fold, they are: (1) to investigate the leaching behavior of arsenic and selenium from fly ash as well as their affecting factors; (2) to analyze the speciation of arsenic and selenium in fly ash leachate; (3) to develop a modeling approach to quantify the availability and stability of trace cationic elements in fly ash; (4) to apply this model to describe the leaching/adsorption behavior of arsenic and selenium on fly ash, as well as the calcium effect on arsenic (V) adsorption process"--Abstract, page iv.

The Boy Battery: A Socio-Military Study Of The 2nd Missouri Light Artillery, Claire Marie Momot

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This thesis contributes to the "New School" of military history by providing a social analysis of Confederate 2nd Missouri Light Artillery during the American Civil War. It examines the 2nd Missouri's genesis in the Missouri State Guard and its service in the Confederate Army, following the unit under three successive captains, Clark, King, and Farris. This study, the first to focus on a State Guard artillery unit, discusses historiography, the war in Missouri, the organization of the Missouri State Guard, and the challenges faced by its artillery. The analysis is based on muster rolls, the 1860 Federal Censuses, county histories, …

Changing Seasons, Changing Times: The Validity Of Nontraditional Sports Seasons Under Title Ix And The Equal Protection Clause, Jane Hefferan

Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment & Technology Law

Part I addresses the historical and legal significance of Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as applied to female athletics. Part II then provides an overview of the landmark litigation in the continuing legal saga of Communities for Equity v. MHSAA, detailing the claims presented by the plaintiffs and the defenses offered by the MHSAA in justification of its policy. Part III then examines the recent trend of Title IX litigation in federal courts in light of this most recent Sixth Circuit ruling. After almost ten years of litigation, the combination of holdings in the …